Minnesota Twins: The 40 Best Players In Team History (No. 11-15)

No.13 and 14: Frank Viola and Jim Perry

The Twins first two Cy Young Award winners were great pitchers for the club. Frank Viola was the Cy Young Award winner in 1988, a year after winning the 1987 World Series MVP. Jim Perry was the recipient in 1970, a year he made one of his two All-Star appearances as a Twin.

Viola won 16 or more games for the Twins five times during his years in Minnesota. His best seasons included 1987, when he posted an AL fourth best 8.1 WAR and helping the Twins win the World Series. In 1988, he went 24-7 with a 2.64 ERA and registered 7.7 WAR. He was incredible during those two seasons, and few were as valuable as he was.

Viola was also a workhorse, registering four seasons of 250 or more innings pitched. Not only could he pitch effectively, but he could go deep into games. He worked 47 complete games during his time in Minnesota.

Perry had an incredible three year stretch from 1969 to 1971, which included a record of 61-35, a Cy Young Award, two All-Star selections and 11.6 WAR (6.2 coming in 1969). He pitched no less than 261.2 innings in a season during that stretch. He worked 33 complete games in that span.

Together, these two were workhorse pitchers that could win ballgames, which made them great among their peers. Each was able to snag a Cy Young Award while also being the best option on the mound for their team. Both have been recognized for their efforts and been inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame.